Karate Kawartha Lakes

The Shintani National Memorial Tournament was held this past weekend with 220 competitors and over 75 black belts. Clinics and events were hosted by area clubs throughout the entire week and the event was a great success with members attending from all over Canada. 

This years Shintani Sensei Memorial Tournament had at least twice the number of Shindo competitors as any tournament I have seen. Special thank you to Jim Atkinson Sensei for making Shindo accessible for so many across Canada!

The  "President's Award"   is a recognition of exceptional leadership, honour, humility and dedication to the SWKKF selected by the Senate.   This award was presented at the tournaments opening ceremonies. Please join me in congratulating this year's recipient , Sensei Kevin Bowes, from Three Elements Karate in Calgary, Alberta.   

The "SWKKF REACH AWARDS" were presented at the banquet following the tournament.

This years selected recipients:

Leadership Award -  Sensei Kelsey Mramor.

Ambassador Award - Annika de Witt

Contribution Award - Cynthia Brocklebank

Female Athlete of the Year - Aryanna Mattie

Male Athlete of the Year - Randy Quarrell

A Shindo Dan grading was held on Sunday with all candidates successful. A fantastic day with an enormous display of effort and talent. It was a pleasure to be a part of it.

Congratulations to all!

Tonight is the night!

See you there!

Today is a day of somber reflection for thousands of Karate-ka across North America.

Karate Kawartha Lakes instructors and students Kris Reynolds, Craig McCleary, Maria Grace Dobbs, Seth DeSouza, Beverly Beuermann-King Csp, Dave Cunning and Alexis Wright travelled to Oshawa yesterday for a fantastic clinic hosted by Sensei Pepe Muñoz and Oshawa wado Kai Karate instructed by Sensei Ray Kennedy 8th Dan of Toronto Wado Kai.

Full of fantastic timing drills with a keen focus on tai-sabaki and Ki Ken Tai Ichi ; it was a great workout with an amazing group of people.

Thank you Kennedy Sensei for the great class, and thank you so much Garcia Sensei for your constant support and friendship.

In 1950 a young Shintani Sensei opened his first dojo in Canada and started sharing the karate taught to him by Kitegawa Sensei.

I imagine at the time, Hanshi had no idea that he had started something that would turn into the largest karate federation of a single style Canada had ever seen. I bet he didn't expect tens of thousands of people's lives would benefit from his efforts, or that he would create thousands black belts, and the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation would continue his legacy long after he had passed.

Celebrate Hanshi and the 75 years of Shintani Karate this year. Comment a karate picture of Mr. Shintani or of the people you have built strong relationships with in karate. Better yet, share a personal story you experienced with Hanshi Shintani in the comments below.

🥋 Exciting News for Lakefield Families! 🥋
Karate Kawartha Lakes is thrilled to announce the launch of a NEW traditional Japanese karate class right here in Lakefield!

Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend time together as a family while building confidence, discipline, and strength? This is it.

✨ Shintani Wado Kai Karate is for ALL ages
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Train together as a family
💪 Build confidence, focus, and fitness
😊 No experience needed — just bring your energy and a smile!

👊 Classes under the direction of Sensei Kris Reynolds
• 6th Degree Black Belt in Wado Kai Karate
• 6th Degree Black Belt in Shindo

📍 Location: Lakefield United Church - 47 Regent St, Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0

🗓 Starting May 14, 2026

Class Schedule:
🕕 Family Class (Parents + Kids): 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🕢 Adult Class: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

💥 Come try your first class FREE!

💲 Annual Registration: $80 + HST
💲 Monthly Training fee: $60

👉 Ready to get started?

Visit: www.karatekawarthalakes.ca⁠� for registration and more info
Spots are limited — come join a supportive, welcoming community and discover the benefits of traditional karate together! 🥋✨

Join the KKL family in congratulations Sensei on this weekend's success in Hearst, Ontario at the yudansha grading where he earned a Sandan (3rd Dan black belt)

You said out on the floor Sensei. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. 🥋💪🏻

Great Shindo Division at the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Wainfleet Frostbite Tournament.

Karate Kawartha Lakes was exceptionally lucky to host Sensei Jim Atkinson, Chief Instructor of Shindo, 9th Dan in Lindsay this weekend for the Canadian National Shindo Clinic.
🥋
An outstanding day of action and learning by all!
🥋

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the SWKKF Senate.

2025 Dec Senate Holiday Wishes Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.